SFA Athletics Announces “Raise The Axe” Campaign
9/2/2020 11:00:00 AM | General
Fundraising campaign launched to support SFA Athletics in greatest time of need
NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- In partnership with the Purple Lights Fund, Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey has announced the creation of the "Raise the Axe Campaign". The goal of this fundraising initiative is to help the SFA athletic department navigate the significant financial challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and position all Lumberjacks for future success.
"When I arrived at SFA a little over two years ago, we set forth our bold vision of becoming the leading mid-major athletics department in the nation", said Ivey. "I wholeheartedly believed that if we were "all in" then there was no doubt that we could achieve this vision and more. We have done everything that we can to be fiscally responsible without jeopardizing the experience and welfare of our student-athletes, but we need your help and assistance to continue to move forward. Now more than ever, donor support is critical to our ability to continue to move forward and achieve our lofty vision."
The SFA Board of Regents recently approved the 2020-21 operating budget for the athletic department and it includes the following financial restraints:
Donors can make a contribution to the Raise the Axe Campaign by contacting the PLF directly or by visiting RaiseTheAxe.com. Additionally, announcements are forthcoming regarding options for those who have purchased tickets for SFA Athletics events that may have been altered by COVID-19. One option will be to donate ticket costs to the Raise the Axe Campaign.
Supporters of Raise the Axe Campaign will receive 2021-22 Purple Lights Fund credit as follows:
"Our student-athletes, coaches and staff are working extremely hard in their efforts to move our athletics department forward", added Ivey. "We cannot do this without you. We need all of Lumberjack Nation to Raise your Axe and help us as we navigate the unchartered waters ahead. Together, we can and will achieve great things".
"When I arrived at SFA a little over two years ago, we set forth our bold vision of becoming the leading mid-major athletics department in the nation", said Ivey. "I wholeheartedly believed that if we were "all in" then there was no doubt that we could achieve this vision and more. We have done everything that we can to be fiscally responsible without jeopardizing the experience and welfare of our student-athletes, but we need your help and assistance to continue to move forward. Now more than ever, donor support is critical to our ability to continue to move forward and achieve our lofty vision."
The SFA Board of Regents recently approved the 2020-21 operating budget for the athletic department and it includes the following financial restraints:
- An approximate $697,000 decrease in the 2020-21 athletic budget compared to 2019-20
- 5-15% reduction for all sport and department budgets as well as other cost containment strategies
- Additional expenses of $250,000 will be absorbed by the department to provide scholarships and other resources to seniors in spring sports who have elected to return to compete for a fifth year
Donors can make a contribution to the Raise the Axe Campaign by contacting the PLF directly or by visiting RaiseTheAxe.com. Additionally, announcements are forthcoming regarding options for those who have purchased tickets for SFA Athletics events that may have been altered by COVID-19. One option will be to donate ticket costs to the Raise the Axe Campaign.
Supporters of Raise the Axe Campaign will receive 2021-22 Purple Lights Fund credit as follows:
- Tax deduction
- Bonus PLF credit of 2x the amount donated to the Raise the Axe Campaign in 2021-22 membership year
- Example: Jack gives $300 to the Raise the Axe Campaign. After renewing his 2021-22 PLF membership, an additional $600 (300x2) is credited to his account for 2021-22 PLF membership benefits.
"Our student-athletes, coaches and staff are working extremely hard in their efforts to move our athletics department forward", added Ivey. "We cannot do this without you. We need all of Lumberjack Nation to Raise your Axe and help us as we navigate the unchartered waters ahead. Together, we can and will achieve great things".
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